It's been three years since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet many of us are still working from home. According to Robin's 2024 Return to Office report, nearly 70% of employees surveyed said their organisations had a return-to-office mandate, typically requiring an average of three days onsite per week. However, 76% of those employees admitted to not fully following the mandate, revealing a clear reluctance to return.
While flexibility has its benefits, studies show that fully remote setups can impact collaboration, innovation, and company culture. In this article, we'll examine how remote work is affecting businesses and employees alike. Most importantly, you'll find ten practical strategies to encourage your team to re-engage with in-office work while balancing company goals and employee needs.
The Impact of Fully Remote Work on Organisations and Employees
Productivity Paradox
The shift to fully remote work has created a productivity paradox for many organisations. While some studies suggest increased productivity in remote settings, others highlight significant challenges. A Stanford study found that remote workers were 13% more productive, yet a survey by Slack revealed that 45% of employees felt less productive at home. This discrepancy underscores the complexity of in-office vs remote work productivity.
Employee Well-being and Work-Life Balance
Remote work has profoundly impacted employee well-being. On one hand, 54% of remote workers reported better work-life balance according to Buffer's 2021 State of Remote Work report. However, the same study found that 27% of remote workers struggle with loneliness, highlighting the importance of social connections fostered by office culture revival.
Organisational Challenges
Fully remote work presents unique challenges for organisations. A PwC survey found that 87% of executives believe the office is critical for collaborating and building relationships. This sentiment aligns with the need for effective return to office strategies. Additionally, 65% of employees miss in-person interactions with colleagues, suggesting a potential receptiveness to incentives for returning to the office.
Long-term Implications
As companies navigate the post-pandemic landscape, the long-term implications of remote work are becoming clearer. A McKinsey report suggests that 20-25% of the workforce in advanced economies could work from home 3-5 days a week without loss of productivity. This data points to the need for flexible approaches to encourage employees to return to the office while maintaining some remote work benefits.
The Benefits of Returning to the Office
Enhanced Collaboration and Innovation
Returning to the office can significantly boost collaboration and spark innovation. Face-to-face interactions facilitate spontaneous brainstorming sessions and quick problem-solving huddles that are challenging to replicate in virtual settings. These impromptu exchanges often lead to creative solutions and new ideas, fostering a culture of innovation. In-office vs remote work productivity studies have shown that teams working in close proximity can complete complex projects up to 20% faster than their remote counterparts.
Improved Company Culture and Employee Engagement
Office culture revival is a crucial benefit of returning to the workplace. The physical office space serves as a tangible representation of company values and fosters a sense of belonging among employees. This shared environment can strengthen team bonds, improve morale, and increase overall job satisfaction. According to a recent survey, 65% of employees feel more connected to their colleagues when working in the office, leading to higher engagement levels, and reduced turnover rates.
Enhanced Professional Development and Mentoring
One of the most compelling return to office strategies is the opportunity for in-person mentoring and professional growth. Junior employees benefit immensely from observing senior colleagues in action, learning through osmosis, and receiving real-time feedback. This type of organic knowledge transfer is difficult to replicate in a fully remote environment. Studies indicate that employees who work in the office are 40% more likely to receive promotions compared to their remote counterparts, highlighting the career advancement benefits of in-person work.
10 Creative Ways to Encourage Employees to Return to the Office
Implementing effective return to office strategies requires a thoughtful approach. Here are ten creative ways to encourage employees to return to the office and revive your office culture:
1. Ask Employees What They Want
Start by conducting surveys or holding focus groups to gain insights into your employees’ feelings about returning to the office. Are they worried about productivity, commute times, or a loss of flexibility? By addressing these concerns and incorporating feedback into your strategy, you demonstrate that the company values employee input and is willing to make adjustments. This engagement helps build trust and reduces resistance to change.
2. Reconnect Your People
Organise regular team-building activities, in-person meetings, or casual social events to rebuild the personal connections that remote work might have weakened. This can include off-site retreats, office happy hours, or collaborative projects where team members can interact face-to-face. These initiatives help re-establish a sense of camaraderie and strengthen the workplace culture, making employees more eager to return.
3. Communicate Expectations Clearly
Transparent communication is key to reducing uncertainty. Clearly outline the reasons for returning to the office—whether it’s to improve collaboration, innovation, or culture—and make sure to explain how this aligns with the company's long-term goals. Regular updates through meetings, emails, or internal newsletters can also address evolving concerns and ensure that employees feel informed and included in the process.
4. Consider Office Improvements
Investing in office upgrades can make a return more enticing. Think about modernising workspaces with comfortable furniture, ergonomic setups, better air quality, or updated tech equipment that enables seamless collaboration. Creating designated quiet areas, collaborative zones, and offering amenities like coffee stations or wellness rooms can enhance the office experience and boost overall productivity.
5. Remember One Size Doesn't Fit All
Offer a range of work options to accommodate different employee preferences. Some may prefer full-time office work, while others may want to continue working remotely part-time. Implementing staggered shifts, flexible hours, or hybrid models allows employees to transition back in a way that suits their work-life balance, which can ultimately lead to higher satisfaction and productivity.
6. Create In-Person Learning Opportunities
Host exclusive in-office learning and development programs, such as workshops, mentoring sessions, or guest speaker events. By offering career development opportunities that can only be accessed in person, you provide employees with a tangible incentive to return, as these experiences can contribute to both their personal growth and professional advancement.
7. Explore Incentives
Sweeten the deal by offering tangible perks like subsidised meals, free gym memberships, or transportation allowances. Perks that improve convenience and work-life balance can make the office environment more attractive. Offering services like childcare, wellness programs, or parking discounts can also reduce common barriers to commuting.
8. Establish a Feedback Loop
Create channels for continuous feedback, such as anonymous suggestion boxes or regular check-ins with managers, to gather employee input about the office experience. Actively responding to feedback with changes (where feasible) can demonstrate that the company is adaptable and committed to employee well-being, further encouraging a positive view of returning to the office.
9. Accept Flexibility as the New Norm
While some roles may require regular office attendance, it’s important to accept that remote work is likely here to stay in some form. Incorporate flexible options like hybrid work schedules or remote days to accommodate diverse working styles. This willingness to adapt can foster goodwill and show employees that the company is progressive in its approach to the future of work.
10. Lead by Example
Having senior leadership and managers present in the office is crucial in setting the tone for returning. When leaders visibly prioritise in-office collaboration and demonstrate the benefits of face-to-face interactions, employees are more likely to follow suit. Leadership’s presence in the office signals that in-person work is valued and helps to rebuild a sense of community.
Conclusion
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to bringing your team back to the office, as what works for one organisation may not be effective for another. The key is to stay flexible and open to feedback throughout the process.Creating a continuous feedback loop with your employees is crucial for refining your workplace strategy and fostering ongoing improvement. Open, honest communication about their needs and preferences is the only way to create a space that works for everyone.
Ultimately, the goal isn't to force anyone back but to make the office a place where employees want to be—an attractive, productive environment that enhances their work experience.
